Wright holds strong hand in Greyville topliner

Alyson Wright-trained progressive Sunny Bill Du-Toy could continue his winning ways at the Greyville Polytrack today when teamed up with maximum-claiming apprentice Luke Ferraris in Race 5, a MR 80 Handicap over 2000m.

After a good close second first time out in a barrier trial, he was a creditable fifth on grass at Greyville over 1600m. However, when switched to the Polytrack for his subsequent three runs he made significant improvement. Partnered by apprentice Ashton Arries, the gelding was a promising second over 1400m. Top-flight Anton Marcus was aboard next time when a fast-finishing 3.5-length maiden winner over 1800m.

Then sent off favourite again and ridden by Gunter Wrogemann, the gelding ran on stoutly under 60.5kg and scored by an increasing 1.5 lengths in an 1800m MR 64 Handicap – and that was despite losing ground at the start.

This three-year-old will be up against stronger opposition this time, but with Ferraris’ 4kg claim reducing the gelding’s carded weight to 50.5kg the combination should be in the winner’s enclosure.

But expect a bold bid from his stablemate Roy’s Pony with Arries up. This filly has done well with Arries aboard in her last three outings. The four-year-old was a clear-cut winner in a MR 76 Handicap over 1600m on grass at Greyville, and then on the Polytrack she made late headway to finish a 1.25-length third over the same distance. Switched to Scottsville for her subsequent outing and stepping up in class, the three-time winner ran on strongly to finish an encouraging 1.5-length second in a 1950m MR 84 Handicap.

Another in with claims is Dean Kannemeyer-trained three-time winner Pure Logic (Keagan de Melo). This four-year-old disappointed last time when sent off favourite and unplaced on grass at Greyville, but that run is best overlooked as he raced too keenly from his usual slow start. However, his previous two runs in similar company at the Polytrack were stout efforts, as he was a smart winner over 1900m and then a game 1.35-length third over 2000m.

Next best are Viento, Late Autumn and Storm Ruler.

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